Melbourne vs Greater Western Sydney Preview & Prediction | 2025 AFL | Regular Season | Round 1

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The 2025 AFL season continues with a highly anticipated Round 1 clash between Melbourne and Greater Western Sydney at the MCG on Sunday, March 16.

Kick-off date/time: Sunday 16th March, 2025: UK – 4:20am / US ET – 12:20am / Saturday 15th March US PT – 9:20pm

How to watch on TV: UK – TNT Sports / US – Some matches are televised on Fox Sports channels

How to watch online: UK – discovery+ & Watch AFL / US – Watch AFL

The Prediction

Melbourne are looking to bounce back after a disappointing 2024 season, where they finished 14th with only 11 home and away wins. The Demons will be bolstered by the returns of Clayton Oliver and Christian Petracca, who missed significant portions of the previous season due to injuries. They certainly need to improve their goal-scoring in 2025, having ranked 14th in goals scored last season. 

The Giants, who finished fourth in 2024 with 14 wins, secured an impressive 52-point victory over Collingwood in the opening round. However, they do have some injury concerns, with ruck Kieran Briggs ruled out due to concussion.

Recent history favours GWS, who have won three of the past four matches against Melbourne, including a narrow two-point victory in Round 20 last year. The Giants have also won eight of their past nine home and away matches, while Melbourne have lost five of their last six.

Players to watch include Josh Kelly, who has averaged 31 disposals in his last two games against the Demons and comes off a 36-disposal performance last weekend. Toby Greene has also been prolific against Melbourne, booting eight goals in his past three matches against them.

Despite Melbourne's home advantage and the return of key players, GWS's recent form and head-to-head record give them a slight edge in this contest.

Tip: Greater Western Sydney to win